Micro-invasive method for painless detection of analytes in extracellular space转让专利
申请号 : US12219228
文献号 : US08965470B2
文献日 : 2015-02-24
发明人 : Eric Jules Raskas
申请人 : Eric Jules Raskas
摘要 :
权利要求 :
What is claimed is:
说明书 :
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/104,666, filed Apr. 13, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,409,238 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/355,010, filed Dec. 31, 2002 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,904,301), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/688,703, filed Sept. 22, 2000 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,535,753), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 09/143,258,filed Aug. 20, 1998 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,197,257) on Micro Sensor Device.
Not Applicable.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for detection of analytes, and more particularly to such method and apparatus for the painless detection of such analytes in extracellular space.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The past decade has seen an increased effort for new and less invasive means of detecting relevant compounds in biological systems. In the past such detection has involved clinical assays using in vitro diagnostics requiring invasive sampling methods. Newer philosophies in medicine and related disciplines have tended to use less invasive means that are more comfortable to the subject and which tend to reduce the possibility of transmission of infection.
It is known in the art to use non-invasive spectral techniques to quantitatively determine the presence and concentration of analytes. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,492 to Schlager teaches a non-invasive near-infrared measurement of blood analyte concentrations, in particular the measurement of blood glucose levels. Schiager recognizes that certain wavelengths of light in the near-infrared spectrum are absorbed by glucose. In that patent, modulated light is directed against a tissue (such as an earlobe). Some portion of the light is passed through the tissue and its spectrum is modified in response to the amount of glucose in the blood and tissue. Similar approaches are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,014,321 to March, U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,225 to Dahne et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,623 to Jobsis, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,951 to Knudson. However methods using various parts of the infrared spectrum for detecting some analytes are relatively unproven to date due to their inability to differentiate multiple occurrences of the analytes at different concentration levels in different body compartments using the available spectral data.
Cygnus, Inc. has demonstrated a technique for collection of glucose in interstitial fluid found in extra cellular space. This technique uses reverse ionopherisis to attract heavier salt molecules to the outside surface of the skin and uses electrochemical means for detecting glucose. This method is currently the subject of an FDA PMA review. One drawback of this method is the initial time delay for retrieval of sufficient fluid for sampling. This method also requires the subject to constantly have a device in place for collection of the fluid.
SpectRx has developed an alternative method for accessing the interstitial fluid by using a laser to ablate small apertures in the surface of the skin sufficient to release interstitial fluid from extra cellular space. Although this method has also produced data which correlates well with constituents found in blood, it suffers from a progressive closure of the aperture and a correlation between sufficient aperture size and the amount of discomfort caused by the initial ablation of the skin.
TCPI has developed a method similar to that of Cygnus which draws interstitial fluid outside the skin. This method however uses a replaceable patch that changes colormetrically according to the presence of the analyte. This method also requires several minutes more than present blood testing methods.
Integ has disclosed a method to access interstitial fluid in an intradermal layer, sampling the interstitial fluid by drawing interstitial fluid through a capillary and then testing the fluid in situ or extracting the fluid to an external apparatus. The Integ method may be prone to rupture of small capillaries that are found in the upper layers of the dermis and to contact with nerve endings that abut the dermal/epidermal junction. There has also been controversial data produced as to whether glucose levels in particular track well between levels produced in the intradermal interstitial fluid and that found in capillaries or veins. Apparently the Integ method draws a one microliter sample from the interstitial fluid, which sample is analyzed for glucose.
In summary, the prior art methods could be improved in that they suffer from insufficient sampling quantities, delayed periods of testing required for sample collection, destruction of skin cells at the stratum corneum level, discomfort to the subject, and the production of quantities of blood.
Among the various objects and features of the present invention may be noted the provision of a method and apparatus for detecting analytes in extra cellular space which overcomes the problems associated with sampling.
Another object is the provision of such a method and apparatus which substantially reduces or eliminates delay time before detection can be accomplished which in the prior art results from the necessary delay for sample collection.
A third object is the provision of such a method and apparatus which prevents the destruction of skin cells at the stratum corneum level.
A fourth object is the provision of such a method and apparatus which reduces or eliminates discomfort of the subject.
A fifth object is the provision of such a method and apparatus which reduces or eliminates the production of quantities of blood during the testing.
Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
Briefly, the new method is a micro invasive detection of analytes in extra-cellular spaces that are on the epidermal side of the epidermal/dermal junction. Although the initial (outermost) layer of the epidermis at the surface of mammalian skin is considered to be a non-nucleated (dead) strata of cells known as the stratum corneum, there are several layers of the epidermis with those closer to the stratum basale, the layer that precedes the epidermal/dermal junction, all found to be living cells requiring nutrients from extra-cellular space.
Similar reference characters indicate similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items, number 10 identifies a preferred embodiment of a micro sensor device constructed according to the present invention. As illustrated in
With reference now to
Additionally, the computer 30 may also be connected to other switches (not shown) which may be provided with the device 10 to further control or operate the device 10. The computer 30 and the other components 20, 22, 24, and 26 are all housed within the central body portion 16.
The integrated sensor head 14 comprises a light source, a detector 42, and a tip portion 44 all incorporated or integrated within the integrated sensor head 14. For example, the integrated sensor head 14 may be formed by any suitable injection molding method or technique. Additionally, the integrated sensor head 14 is of an extremely small size on the order of about under 30 microns in size. The light source 40 is operatively connected to the computer 30 by an electrical connection 46 and the detector 42 is likewise electrically connected to the computer 30 by an electrical connection 48. The tip portion 44 consists of an extremely small needle shaped analyte. The light source 40 may be an LED, a laser, a laser diode, or other light excitation source. The light source 40 is adapted to project a beam of light 50 into the tip portion 44. The beam of light 50 passes through the tip portion 44 and a reflected pattern of light 52 may be reflected back from a sample (not shown) through the tip portion 44 to the detector 42. The detector 42 provides the reflected pattern of light 52 to the computer 30 for processing to determine the concentration of material within a sample. The detector 42 may be, for example, a photodiode, a miniature spectrometer, or any other device which may detect light.
The integrated sensor head 14 is shown in greater detail in
The tip portion 44 may be chemically treated or use an enzymatic process or treatment which enables the tip portion 44 to interact with the sample to be detected or monitored. Properties of the tip portion 44 may vary dependent upon the sample and the chemical or substance to be detected by the device 10. As constructed and with particular reference to
The tip portion 44 may have specific chemical sensitivities based upon the properties of a dye matrix. A dye may be chemically activated by a different chemical compound which enables sensing of a specific chemical property within a sample or a substance. The tip portion 44 provides for enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and stability when detecting a concentration within a sample or substance. In this manner, the sensor device 10 interacts with the substance or sample to detect a specific chemical or concentration within the substance. Some examples of how the tip portion 44 may be chemically treated to have specific chemical sensitivities or to interact with the sample to be detected or monitored may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,361,314 and 5,627,922.
With reference now to
Additionally, the chemical properties of the tip portion 44 of the sensor portion 14 may be changed to react with another chemical to detect some other chemical within a sample. Further, instead of changing the chemical properties of the tip portion 44, it may only be necessary to change the light source 40 to detect some other chemical within a sample. It is also possible to have a cap (not shown) which covers the tip portion 44 when the device 10 is not in use. The cap may also have incorporated therein a mechanism for keeping the tip portion 44 sterilized.
The tip portion 44 may be constructed by using any suitable injection molding method or technique and precision injection molding methods for molding extremely small parts may be employed. Another method or technique for constructing the tip portion 44 may include a micro fabrication process known as micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication process wherein an extremely small sized part may be carved out of a substance. Even a micro-electro-mechanical system (MOEMS) may be used to produce the tip portion 44. Additionally, the tip portion 44 may be manufactured from silicas, plastics, polymers, or even pyrex. Other known methods for construction of the tip portion may be a heat drawn process or even swaging.
Referring now to
Once inserted into the hand 80, actuation of the sensor device 10 will cause the computer 30 to operate the light source 40. The light beam 50 is produced and sent through the tip portion 44. With the tip portion 44 being in contact with the hand 80, the tip portion 44 reacts chemically and the pattern of light 52 is generated and reflected back through the tip portion 44 to the detector 42. The detector 42 transmits the pattern of light 52 to the computer 30 which then calculates the concentration of glucose within the hand 80. The result may be displayed in the display 20 or audibly indicated by the speaker 24. Once the result is indicated the device 10 may be removed from the hand 80 and turned off.
An integrated sensor head 222 is connected to the central body portion 220 by any suitable means. The integrated sensor head 222 comprises a light source 224, a first detector 226, a second detector 228, and a tip portion 230 all incorporated or integrated within the integrated sensor head 222. For example, the integrated sensor head 14 may be formed by any suitable injection molding method or technique. Additionally, the integrated sensor head 222 is of an extremely small size on the order of about under 30 microns in size. The light source 224 is operatively connected to the computer 202 by an electrical connection 232 and the first detector 226 is likewise electrically connected to the computer 202 by an electrical connection 234. The second detector 228 is also connected or interfaced to the computer 202 by a connection 236. The tip portion 230 consists of an extremely small needle shaped analyte. The light source 224 may be an LED, a laser, a laser diode, or other light excitation source. The light source 224 is adapted to project a beam of light 238 into the tip portion 230. The beam of light 228 passes through the tip portion 230 and a first reflected pattern of light 240 may be reflected back from a sample (not shown) through the tip portion 230 to the first detector 226. The first detector 226 provides the first reflected pattern of light 240 to the computer 202 via the connection 234 for processing to determine the concentration of material within a sample.
Additionally, a second reflected pattern of light 242 may be produced and reflected back from a sample (not shown) through the tip portion 230 to the second detector 228. The second detector 228 provides the second reflected pattern of light 242 to the computer 202 via the connection 236 for processing to determine the concentration of material within a sample.
Examples of the first detector 226 and the second detector 228 were previously noted above with respect to the detector 42. In this manner, two different substances may be monitored or detected by the device 200. Although the device 200 is depicted to show the monitoring of at least two different chemical compounds or substances it is also contemplated that more than two chemical compounds or substances may be sensed, detected, or monitored by the device 200 by adding additional components, as has been taught and illustrated.
Although not illustrated, it is also possible and contemplated to have an integrated head sensor which has the light source 224 and the two detectors 226 and 228 incorporated within a first integrated head portion and the tip portion 230 incorporated within a second integrated head portion which is separable from the first integrated head portion. In this manner, the second integrated head portion in essence becomes a disposable component of the micro sensor device.
It is preferred that the method of the present invention uses an optical member, such as the previously shown optical members or more preferably such as microprobe 301 shown in
It is preferred that the optical member be molded to the final shape, preferably using a two-part RTV rubber silicone mold using known molding techniques. That mold is prepared using a hard durometer type silicone such as that sold under the trade designation G-380 by Silicones, Inc. Such a silicone is suitable for small parts. The first part of the mold is prepared by creating a pattern from a modified micropipette tip and a pulled silica optical fiber tip 307. Specifically the micropipette tip is an Eppendorf-style tip that has been trimmed at the bottom to expand the diameter to approximately 600 microns. The pulled silica optical fiber tip 307 is made from silica fiber having a diameter of 600 microns (such fibers are available from 3M). The fiber is placed into an optical fiber puller such as that sold under the trade designation P2000 by Sutter Instruments. The tip is pulled so that the fiber tapers from 600 microns down to 10-50 microns at its extreme tip. The silica pulled tip is then placed into the Eppendorf-style pipette tip and held in place by friction. This pattern (pipette tip plus pulled fiber tip) is then placed into a glass vial that has been filled with the RTV silicone to form the first part of the mold.
The second part of the mold is prepared by taking a standard optical fiber SMA connector 308 and removing the lock nut from the assembly. The remaining portion of the assembly (minus the lock nut) is placed as a cover on the poured mold containing the optical member pattern. After curing and removal of the SMA connector, the mold is then refilled in the female impression that has remained from the SMA connector. The final part is a male SMA silicone molded piece 309 (
Alternatively, the mold can be made using machining or stereolithography or other conventional techniques.
The optical pattern is then removed from the first part of the mold and replaced by another silica optical fiber piece 307 that has been tapered in an identical manner and has been measured to be the length from the tip of the mold to abut against the face of the second part of the mold. This tapered fiber is then placed inside the mold and remains there as a permanent portion of the final part. The body of the final part is then poured using a hard durometer polyurethane such as that sold under the trade designation IE-71DC by Innovative Polymers. The second part of the mold is then placed into the first part of the mold, during the cure process. After curing, the final part is manually released from the mold and is ready for application of the sensor chemistry.
Unlike methods used to penetrate through the epidermal/dermal junction, which can access capillary structures, the present method has no possibility of accessing capillaries since the capillaries do not extend beyond the epidermal/dermal junction. In addition the present method has no possibility of exciting nerve endings since the nerve endings are all found beneath the epidermal/dermal junction. The molded part is covered with a sensor layer that is designed to target a specific analyte(s) in the extra-cellular space of the epidermis. By way of illustration, the following analytes are among the many which may be targeted:
Of course, any number of other analytes could be tested for as well.
The sensor layer is preferably applied to the molded part as follows: A ruthenium dye complex such as that sold under the trade designation #206229 by Sigma is dissolved in ethanol as a solvent. A poly-methyl-methyl-acrylate (PMMA) such as that sold under the trade designation #182230 by Aldrich Chemical is dissolved in acetone as a solvent to create a 10-15% solution of polymer by weight. The ruthenium dye solution is then mixed into the PMMA polymer solution to create a solution that can be dip coated using an automated dip coater onto the tip of the optical member to create a stable oxygen sensitive coating.
An enzyme in a near neutral pH buffer such as glucose oxidase (among the sources of glucose oxidase is Fluka) is mixed with cellulose in bead form such as those cellulose beads sold under the trade designation #C-7204 by Sigma that have been crushed to approximately one micron in diameter to create a thick slurry of enzyme, cellulose and buffer. This slurry is then dip coated onto the optical member tip in the same manner as the oxygen sensitive coating.
The optical member is then further dip-coated into a gluteraldehyde solution such as that sold under the trade designation #01201-5 by Polysciences to chemically crosslink the enzyme and cellulose with the gluteraldehyde. The sensor is then allowed to dry in air or a desiccator overnight for the gluteraldehyde to polymerize sufficiently.
A final coating is then applied to the outside of the sensor tip using a poly-methyl-methyl-acrylate, chemically modified to include an acrylic acid group, that creates a stable and hard surface which protects the other coatings and allows diffusion of glucose and oxygen into the sensor. It is preferred that the modified poly-methyl-methyl-acrylate be that sold under the trade designation #37691-4 by Aldrich Chemical.
The signal produced by the interaction with the optical member and the analyte(s) is then passed to an optical detector such as a spectrometer such as that sold under the trade designation 52000 by Ocean Optics and then after interpretation of the signal by a suitable algorithm the data can then be displayed.
Note that the micro-invasive method is of particular advantage for immediate access to a sufficient quantity of fluid for measurement, unlike absorbing systems that require delays until sufficient quantity can be collected. Moreover, the optical tip under twenty microns is capable of entering into the stratum corneum without destruction of the large areas of the stratum corneum such as that of ablative means.
The method described above can be used to access both chemicals that our inherently found in biological systems and is also conceived to detect chemicals that a subject has been exposed to in the environment. The micro-invasive measurement is of particular advantage since chemicals which have invaded just to the level of the epidermis are still detectable where immediate detoxifying means can be employed to arrest further biological damage.
It should also be appreciated that microprobe 301 may be used for continuous analyte monitoring as well as for discrete monitoring. In the continuous mode of operation, the microprobe is secured to the body of the person being monitored such that the distal end of the probe is disposed and remains in the interstitial fluid of the person. The concentration of the desired analyte, such as glucose, is then continually monitored and may be displayed as desired (either continuously or upon demand).
In view of the above it will be seen that the various objects and features of the present invention are achieved and other advantageous results obtained. The description of the invention contained herein is illustrative only and should not be taken in a limiting sense.